Walter Jones ends holdout, signs with Hawks
By the Associated Press
KIRKLAND, Wash. — Pro Bowl offensive tackle Walter Jones signed a one-year tender offer for $4.92 million with the Seattle Seahawks on Monday.
Jones, in his sixth NFL season, reported to practice Monday. The contract represents the average salary of the top five players at that position in the NFL.
The 6-foot-5, 308-pound Jones, selected in the first round in 1997 out of Florida State, made the Pro Bowl following the 1999 season.
Jones, who started every game the past four seasons, is eager to rejoin his teammates after the Seahawks lost their first two games.
"I just wanted to come back and help the team get a victory any way I can," Jones said. "That was my only reason for coming back — and I miss the guys."
Seattle designated the 28-year-old Jones as its franchise player after his contract expired last season. The franchise tag prevented him from being a free agent and signing with another team.
Jones is still looking to sign a long-term contract with Seattle. Under league rules, Jones had to sign the tender before the team could formally negotiate a longer deal.
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